15 Best Beaches to Visit in Casablanca Morocco – 2024
You know about Casablanca as a city with a rich culture and history – and also the location of that famous movie – but do you know about the beaches in Casablanca?
This article will share some of the best beaches in Casablanca, so that after you’ve explored the beautiful mosques and experienced the heart-pounding nightlife, you can relax and cool off by the coast.
Casablanca has been a favorite destination for vacationers for decades. I think this is, in part, because of the ability to enjoy city life, but also have a beach vacation within easy reach.
Located along the Atlantic coast, the city of Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city, with around 3.7 million residents. Along with numerous historic monuments like the Sacred Heart Cathedral and Muhammad V Square, the city is home to beautiful beaches.
If you’re planning a summer vacation, you won’t want to miss the Casablanca coastline and its most inviting beaches.
Introduction
As someone who lives in Pennsylvania, USA and continually heads to the Jersey shore when the weather permits, it’s crazy to me that the same Atlantic Ocean that I experience in New Jersey is what I experience when I am in Casablanca, Morocco.
I’m a ‘beach person’ and so I’m always in search of great beaches. And what I love about Casablanca and the nearby areas is that if you are in search of a particular beach experience, you will find it on one or many of the beaches in Casablanca.
There are simply plenty of options that allow for you to enjoy the charm of Casablanca and the natural beauty of this most famous of Moroccan cities AND have a beach vacation.
1 Plage Madam Choual
Known as Casablanca’s cleanest beach, Plage Madam Choual is an excellent destination for families and single travelers. There are security guards that monitor the area, making it very secure.
The beach is wide and full of beautiful soft sand, with numerous volleyball courts and soccer fields.
At sunset, the Plage (the French word for beach) comes to life, filling the sky with vibrant reds, purples, and oranges. Plage Madam Choual is everything you could imagine for a vacation destination, making it a favorite for tourists and locals alike.
Pros
- Clean and safe, making it perfect for wary travelers
- Calmer waters make it easy to enjoy the water
- Beautiful views and soft golden sand
Cons
- Can be crowded during peak season
- Maintenance and general upkeep in the area can be lax
2 Ain Diab Beach
Ain Diab Beach is located in the heart of Casablanca, making it a popular choice destination for locals and tourists. There is so much to do in the area, including eating at delicious cafes and visiting the many clubs and bars.
Like many of beaches in Casablanca, the water can be rough and is mostly recommended for intermediate to advanced swimmers. Fortunately, the beach itself is great for sitting back, relaxing, and soaking up the sun.
The area is lively and perfect for anyone who enjoys the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s easy to see why Ain Diab Beach is such a beloved vacation destination.
Pros
- Tons to do, see, and eat
- Its location gives you an immersive Casablanca beach experience
- You can walk to many of the local destinations
Cons
- It gets very crowded due to its location in the heart of the city
- The water can be too rough for swimming
3 Plage Lalla Meryem
Plage Lalla Meyem offers a unique experience you won’t find at any other beach. Only steps from the water fcan you enjoy a horse or camel ride, making your way along the soft sand on the backs of these adorable animals.
The locals enjoy visiting this beach as it offers a calmer, more relaxed alternative to others located closer to downtown. While it isn’t as crowded as other locations, there are still plenty of beach clubs, cafes, and bars to check out.
It is important to note that there aren’t any facilities like toilets or showers at Plage Lalla Meryem, so you can’t wash yourself off after playing in the sandy beach. Something to keep in mind if you plan on visiting any shops or businesses in the area.
Pros
- Less crowded than some other nearby beaches
- There are camel rides, which are a fun (and unexpected) experience
- It’s a great place to escape the noise of the city
Cons
- There are no facilities on-site
- The water is too rough for many swimmers
4 Nahla Beach
Nahla Beach is an excellent location for anyone who enjoys exercising in the sand. The flat and compact surface makes it perfect for running or jogging, and there are enough people around to make you feel safe as you go. Nahla Beach has everything you could want during your visit, including security, facilities, and beautiful water.
While there are waves, they aren’t as extreme as in other locations, so you can feel safe going for a swim. It is an animal-friendly location, so don’t be surprised if you see camels, horses, or cats wandering around enjoying the views!
When you’re looking for a well-maintained beach that isn’t overflowing with crowds, you won’t want to miss Nahla Beach.
Pros
- The flat, hard-packed sand is perfect for running
- Ample security and facilities make it a great spot for families
- Calmer waters are great for swimming
Cons
- As an animal-friendly location, you will share the beach with four-legged friends, which can leave a mess behind
- The location isn’t as remote and quiet as other beaches
5 Plage de Ain Sebaa
Plage de Ain Sebaa is one of the more relaxed and laid-back locations in the area, offering a cozy neighborhood feel. There are tables with umbrellas set up along the ocean side, making it a great spot for picnicking and spending time with friends.
There are also fewer crowds than many of the more popular tourist spots, another reason for its more chill atmosphere. The only drawback to the lack of people is less routine maintenance, so you may see more trash than in other, more well-maintained locations.
All said, Plage de Ain Sebaa is a favorite destination for anyone seeking to kick back, unwind, and enjoy the beautiful Morrocan landscape.
Pros
- Quiet, small-town feel
- Plenty of space for picnics and a perfect place for enjoying meals with friends
- Soft sand is great for lying and enjoying the Casablancan sun
Cons
- There can be more garbage than better-maintained areas
- There aren’t as many cafes and bars as beaches closer to the city center
6 Cabana Beach
While the rocky terrain isn’t great for sunbathing, Cabano Beach is a favorite destination with tons to do. Be sure to check out the towering El Hank Lighthouse, which stands atop a rock alcove, jutting into the sea.
Head over to the Observation Deck Al Aank for breathtaking views of the sea and all of Casablanca. You can also see Morocco’s largest mosque, Hassan II Mosque.
While the water is often turbulent, making it an unsafe place to swim, there are so many fun things to do you’ll definitely want to check out this exciting location.
Pros
- A great place to get to know many historic Morrocan landmarks
- There are many shops, cafes, and bars
- Beautiful views
Cons
- Too many rocks to safely enjoy swimming
- Can become crowded during peak season
7 Plage Zenata
A great spot for families or those who prefer swimming in more controlled environments, Plage Zenata is home to many natural shallow pools that are perfect for little ones. The beach is sandy, without many rocks, and kids love swimming and splashing in the natural wading pools.
Even adults can have a blast, as you don’t have to worry about the infamous rough waves and large swells of other beaches in the area.
Take a short hike down the beach and visit Plage de petite Zenata, which is a smaller version of its larger neighbor. While there are still numerous wading pools, there are generally fewer people in this location, making it perfect for a more low-key experience.
Pros
- Wading pools make it a good place for young kids and adults
- There is soft sand without many rocks
- Less people make for a more relaxed visit
Cons
- Fewer facilities than larger beaches
- There is less to do in the surrounding area
8 Jake Beach
If you love exploring unique rock formations, you need to head down to Jack Beach. More rock front than sand, it’s the ideal spot for those looking to find unique formations along the blue water.
The ocean itself can have large swells, making it a great and enjoyable location for advanced surfers. Swimming in the ocean isn’t recommended due to the waves, but there is a popular spot for freshwater pools a short walk away, which are perfect for relaxing and unwinding.
There are spectacular sea views for as far as the eye can see, ensuring you’ll want to spend every day at this unique Moroccan beach.
Pros
- Freshwater pools for swimming and sea gazing
- Beautiful rock formations for exploring
- Large waves make it a great spot for surfers
Cons
- The water isn’t suitable for beginner swimmers
- There are limited sand areas for sitting
9 Taghazout
For surf lovers, the beaches in Taghazout are a can’t-miss. Known for the best surf in Morocco, there are tons of surf houses and guides who are eager to offer a lesson or two.
While known as a surf capital, there are many other nearby beaches for those who prefer more relaxed vacations. There are also plenty of restaurants and food stalls for those craving fresh, local fare.
As you move along the beach, you will encounter varying levels of surf, from calm waters, lazy waves to larger, more intense swells and strong currents. The main beach is reserved mostly for fishing, but there are plenty of areas where you can kick back and enjoy the beautiful Moroccan sun.
Pros
- Large waves make it perfect for surfers
- Numerous beachfronts make for easy access to find the ideal spot
- Stunning sunsets
Cons
- The main beach has a lot of water pollution and is reserved mostly for fishing
- It is slightly outside of Casablanca, not in the city itself
10 Essaouira Beach
When you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head down to Essaouira Beach. The long coastline is an ideal location for relaxing or walking and enjoying the beautiful views. It’s also a great place to try your hand at surfing, as there are often medium-sized swells that are perfect for beginners.
Due to its size, you can feel like you’re on a true vacation getaway and a great place for families to enjoy the beauty of Morocco. There are also kids’ playgrounds with trampolines and swing sets on the beach, making it one of the more unique beachfront locations.
Pros
- Less crowded than other beaches
- Plenty of food vendors and facilities
- A great family beach holiday vacation destination
Cons
- The waves may be too strong for beginner swimmers
- The strong winds can make sunbathing challenging
11 Lagoon of Oualida
Only two hours from Casablanca is the beautiful Oualidia Lagoon, located in the town of Oualidia. Featuring sandbars and sandy beaches, it’s undoubtedly one of the area’s most interesting natural formations. The water is calmer than many other Casablancan beaches, but it can get cold.
You will find numerous vendors selling fresh seafood, offering surf lessons, and even camel rides and many of the nearby town is a favorite for tourists. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy the water and the locals, this is the spot for you.
Pros
- Calmer waters for safer swimming
- Lots of vendors offering delicious food
- Beautiful views
Cons
- Can get crowded in summer
- During low tide, the current is strong, making it unfit for beginner swimmers
12 Monica Beach
Another quieter beach option, Monica Beach, is situated right outside Casablanca but offers everything you could want for a beach getaway. There are tons of amenities to keep guests comfortable and stunning views to enjoy from the soft sandy shoreline.
The large beachfront is great for building sandcastles or taking in the Moroccan sun, and the water is relatively calm, making it great for swimming.
Pros
- Close to Casablanca without being too crowded
- Large beachfront without many rocks
- Numerous amenities
Cons
- Can get crowded in the summer months
- May not be as clean as other beaches
13 Corniche Beach
Technically, a part of Ain Diab, Corniche Beach offers a more residential feel. A popular destination for families, there are restaurants, playgrounds, and leisure facilities along the beachfront.
Due to its more centralized location, it can get crowded during peak seasons. However, its views and family-friendly nature continue to make Corniche Beach a favorite for tourists and locals.
Pros
- Lots to do for the whole family
- Plenty of restaurants and amenities
- More residential feel
Cons
- Can become crowded
- The waves can be rough at times
14 Tamaris Beach
A short way outside the city, Tamaris Beach offers beautiful views, ample amenities, and interesting rock formations. The water can range from calm to moderately rough, and the soft stretch of sand is perfect for relaxing.
Like many Casablanca beaches, it can get crowded, but it’s a favorite spot for families. After dark, there is plenty of entertainment, making Tamaris Beach a great place to spend the day and night!
Pros
- Lots to do day or night
- Plenty of space for families
- Cleaner than many other local beaches
Cons
- Can get crowded
- Certain areas can be rocky
15 Babaloo Beach
A short drive from Casablanca’s city center is Babaloo Beach. Even though you aren’t in the city, there are still plenty of amenities and affordable places to eat. There are also resorts, shops, and plenty of beautiful sites.
Kids will enjoy playing on the playground, while adults will unwind while sunbathing on the sandy beachfront with a good book. Stay for the day or the weekend and explore the nearby towns for a unique Moroccan experience you’ll never forget.
Pros
- Family-friendly with playgrounds and calmer water
- Affordable restaurants and amenities
- Fewer crowds
Cons
- Further from downtown Casablanca
- Can feel touristy
Conclusion
Casablanca is home to many beautiful beaches, making it an ideal spot for your next vacation. Whether you’re looking to sit back and relax, hang ten on the waves, or explore historical landmarks, there’s something for everyone in Casablanca!
Can you swim at the beaches in Casablanca?
It really depends! You’ll see from the post above that some areas are notoriously rougher than others and are better for surfing than for swimming. But others are idea beaches for swimming.
Because the post is talking about some of the ‘best’ beaches, what isn’t included are some other Casablanca beaches that are known to be a bit dirtier than anything that’s listed here. If you happen to end up at one of those beaches then absolutely not on the swimming!
What is the dress code for Morocco beaches?
Generally, wear what you want. Morocco is a pretty open-minded place. Yes, the more undressed you are, the more looks you are likely to get – but I think that’s anywhere.
What you should be prepare for are people – especially women – who are A LOT more dress than you, especially if you you are at a beach frequented by locals. Be respectful of the people of Morocco, their cultures and their traditions.
When is the best time to visit Morocco beaches?
Broadly speaking, May to October is best time to head to the beach in Morocco. Of course it depends on the weather in the specific beach town your going to.
But using Casablanca as an example, the temps have an average range between 73-80 degrees with the temps often getting into the high-90s.
However, what I love about Casablanca is the proximity to many great beaches. So while you are visiting Casablanca, you can make a game-time decision about visiting the beach depending on the weather.